On SAGE Insight: Are there differences in salaries of physician assistants in the USA by race, ethnicity and sex?

Data from the Academy of American Physician Assistants have suggested there are no differences in salaries by race and ethnic group. However the objective of this study was to compare salaries of physician assistants for different racial and ethnic groups and sexes using another data source. Data from the American Community Surveys (2010–2012) examine pay differentials of physician assistants. The majority of physician assistants in recent decades have been women. Their salaries are substantially below those of their male counterparts. The number from racial and ethnic minorities remains low. American Community Surveys data show salaries to be lower than that reported by the American Academy of Physician Assistants. The salaries of Black and Hispanic physician assistants lag significantly behind the salaries of those who are White. The data show that the PA profession needs to step-up its recruitment efforts to attract minority students.

Abstract

Objectives

Data from the Academy of American Physician Assistants have suggested there are no differences in salaries by race and ethnic group. Our objective was to compare salaries of physician assistants for different racial and ethnic groups and sexes using another data source.

Methods

Data from the American Community Surveys (2010–2012) to examine pay differentials of physician assistants. Ordinary least squares regression analysis to compare the salaries of males and females, and those of racial and ethnic groups.

Results

The majority of physician assistants in recent decades have been women. Their salaries are substantially below those of their male counterparts. The number from racial and ethnic minorities remains low. American Community Surveys data show salaries to be lower than that reported by the American Academy of Physician Assistants. The salaries of Black and Hispanic physician assistants lag significantly behind the salaries of those who are White.

Conclusions

American Community Surveys data suggest that previously published Academy of American Physician Assistants survey data may have been biased with a low percentage of physician assistants from racial and ethnic minorities which suggests that the Academy of American Physician Assistants need to focus on recruiting greater numbers of minorities.

Article details
Differences in salaries of physician assistants in the USA by race, ethnicity and sex
Darron Smith, Cardell Jacobson
DOI: 10.1177/1355819617738275
First Published January 12, 2018
Journal of Health Services Research & Policy